I'm in need of info about replacing an aftermarket ignition switch

[dweller]

When the key has been lost 😞
No locksmith will make me a new key (or so they say) bc it’s aftermarket …

So I’m going to have to break this one to replace it with another .

Any tips ? And no I’m not trying to steal a car, it’s my old ford Ranger and I need to get it towed away, but the steering wheel is locked turning right, and can’t get it on a tow truck that way

Help ?


Tia



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[patphil]

1. Don't use a flat bed tow vehicle. Get one that picks the front wheels.

[dweller]

2. Good idea but

It’s parked pointing at a telephone pole 3 ft in front of it and I can’t roll it back and to the right without hitting the house … I’ve thought of that …

😐



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[patphil]

4. I figured you did, but I said, "what the hey, I'll give it a try".

[essaynnc]

3. Jack the front end up on a floor jack, then have the tow truck pull it out......NT

[dweller]

5. No floor jack

And it’s a gravel drive 🫤


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[Beastly Boy]

6. There is usually a metal tag witth a number that comes with the ignition keys.

Do you by any chance have it saved somewhere?

If you bring this tag to a Ford dealer, they can order a replacement key for you.

[dweller]

9. It's an after market ignition

Ford doesn’t care 🤨

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[Beastly Boy]

14. No tag, I am assuming. With the tag it should have worked the same with aftermarket vendors

Sorry.

[taxi]

7. Disconnect the steering column from the steering box.

[dweller]

11. How tough is that ?

That may work …



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[taxi]

18. It's only one bolt.

Do a quick search for steering column link - here's one:
https://www.amazon.com/Intermediate-Universal-Expedition-8L1Z-3B676-8L1Z3B676A/dp/B07VFZ7K5J/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35OQB7A4F6FTL&keywords=steering%2Bcolumn%2Blink&qid=1681249331&sprefix=steering%2Bcolumn%2Blink%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-3&th=1

There is a bolt on each end, one end connects to the steering box, the other the steering column. Just take out the one bolt and slide the joint (the part that bends) off. The wheels will straighten right out as soon as the truck is pulled. easy peasy

[RKP5637]

23. Excellent suggestion!!! n/t

[Beachnutt]

10. Youtube

[dweller]

12. Got my grandson doing that

This truck is a summer restoration project for us , I just have to get it moved from here

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[Mopar151]

24. Remove the steering wheel!

The locking plate is behind it. Push the plate in a bit, and pry the lock ring out of its groove. Once you pull the plate out, you should be able to slip the steering wheel back on, and steer!

[dweller]

25. What about the airbag ?

??


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[KS Toronado]

13. Look on you tube how to break it out

or get a locksmith or mechanic to do it for you.

[dweller]

15. Locksmiths declined even touching it

Can’t get it to mechanic bc see above


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[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

16. Would this help?

https://www.amazon.com/Goujxcy-Vehicle-Bearings-Furniture-Capacity/dp/B08BHZG96Q/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3EQS6W6HO7B9L&keywords=auto%2Bdolly&qid=1681249194&sprefix=auto%2Bdolly%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.d977788f-1483-4f76-90a3-786e4cdc8f10&th=1

[dweller]

21. Gravel drive

So no
But thanks anyway



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[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

17. BTW what year? n/t

[dweller]

19. 1997

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[KS Toronado]

20. You tube covers 1997

done a search on "remove and replace ignition switch ford ranger" there's a number of them listed

[dweller]

22. Most of them start with

Turn the key to the ON position

I have NO key
😐


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[dweller]

26. I talked to my tow guy

And he says he can wrangle it out, and tow from the front …
Will have to figure out ignition ltr

Thanks for the tips guys,


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